Carlos Alcaraz clinched the Cincinnati Open title in dramatic fashion after Jannik Sinner withdrew from the final, retiring at 5-0 in the first set. The abrupt finish handed Alcaraz the championship on the spot, capping a week that had already seen the two rivals trade big wins earlier in the season. Sinner, who was the defending Cincinnati champion, had been locked in a high-profile battle with Alcaraz, with both players coming off fresh finals showdowns at major events including the Italian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.
Background and context
The Sinner–Alcaraz rivalry has been a defining storyline of the year, with the pair trading victories across key clay and grass tournaments. Alcaraz had claimed the Italian Open and the French Open, while Sinner had claimed Wimbledon, adding to the sense of a season-long contest between two of the game’s brightest stars. Cincinnati, coming off last year’s title for Sinner, would have been a pivotal moment in their ongoing career duel, but the retirement sealed Alcaraz’s triumph this time around.
What to watch and where to watch
In the United States
– The match and most of the Cincinnati Open coverage air on the Tennis Channel. Viewers can access Tennis Channel through its official website or via live TV streaming services that carry the network.
– Streaming options include:
– DirecTV Stream (Choice package): about $90 per month, with access to 125+ channels. New users can start with a five-day free trial and receive about $35 off the first month, though additional fees may apply.
– Fubo: Elite with Sports Plus plan at roughly $105 per month, with new customers receiving a discount after a five-day free trial.
– Sling TV: Sports Extra addon ($11 per month) on top of a base plan (from about $46 per month). A Sling Orange day pass ($5) is available, with potential add-ons for today’s match.
UK viewers
– Sky Sports will provide coverage of Sinner vs. Alcaraz through various Sky packages. The cheapest entry point generally starts around £35 per month, with the option to stream via Now TV for those who don’t have a full Sky package.
Watching from anywhere
– VPNs allow fans traveling abroad to access their home streaming services. NordVPN is a top pick and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Subscriptions are available month-to-month or on longer-term plans, and the service includes a wide range of international servers, strong security, and fast connections.
– How to use a VPN:
1) Sign up for a VPN account.
2) Install it on your viewing device.
3) Connect to a server in the country where your usual streaming service is available.
4) Open your streaming service and log in as you normally would.
– Important note: VPN use is illegal in some countries and may violate the terms of service for certain providers. The guidance provided reflects common practices but is not an endorsement of illicit use.
The day’s events and the women’s final
The Tennis Channel will continue its coverage for the rest of the day, including the Women’s Final between Iga Świątek and Jasmine Paolini, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in for a full day of Cincinnati action, from the men’s final fallout to the concluding women’s showdown.
Takeaways and outlook
– Alcaraz’s win adds another chapter to his head-to-head battles with Sinner and reinforces the Spaniard’s ongoing bid to dominate in big-match scenarios this season.
– Sinner’s retirement opens questions about the matchup dynamics ahead of the next events, while both players remain central figures in the sport’s evolving rivalries.
– The presence of comprehensive viewing options—including streaming services, regional coverage, and VPN routes—helps fans around the world stay connected to one of tennis’ flagship tournaments, regardless of location.
Additional value and context
– For fans following the broader tour, Cincinnati often serves as a precursor to late-summer hard-court swing and major U.S. events, so the outcomes here are often a predictor of form and momentum heading into the fall season.
– Fans without access to Tennis Channel can explore legitimate streaming options or local broadcasters in their region, ensuring they don’t miss key points of the final and the accompanying women’s final.
Overall, the Cincinnati Open produced a memorable finish with Alcaraz claiming the title via retirement, while the event continued to deliver high-quality tennis and plenty of storylines as the season progresses.